On Tuesday, October 13, at a special hearing, Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Jennifer Delaney ordered the release of Melvin and Valerie Cordell from the Luna County Detention Center, after their upcoming trial was vacated. The trial was vacated following a hearing on October 9 to determine whether the state had disclosed the names of its expert witnesses in a timely manner. Following arguments from the defense and prosecution, the court decided that the trial needed to be delayed in order to allow the defense to adequately respond to the state's proposed experts.

The purpose of the October 13th hearing was to determine whether Melvin and Valerie Cordell should remain in detention pending a new trial date. Melvin Cordell had been in the custody of the Luna County Detention Center since March 10, 2025, and Valerie Cordell had been held since March 3, 2025. Though the prosecution argued for continued detention, the court determined that circumstances had changed sufficiently to justify the defendants' release. The changed circumstances include the termination of the Cordelles' parental rights, and the fact that the minor child victims are in foster care outside of Luna County.

The defendants were released under strict court-ordered guidelines. If either individual violates these terms, they will face immediate return to detention.

Electronic Monitoring: Both defendants are required to wear GPS monitors.

Court Check-ins: Both defendants are required to check in with the court on a weekly basis.

No Contact: They are prohibited from contacting each other, or any of the children or their caregivers by any means.

They are strictly barred from possessing firearms or any other weapons.

MELVIN CORDELL is charged with a total of 24 counts for sexual assault and child abuse: 2 Counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration, 1 Count of Criminal Sexual Contact of a minor, 16 Counts of Child Abuse,1 Count of Conspiracy to Commit Child Abuse, 2 Counts of Aggravated Battery and 2 counts of Tampering with Evidence.

VALERIE CORDELL is facing 16 counts of Child Abuse and 1 count of Conspiracy to commit Child Abuse.
The trial for both defendants will be scheduled at a later date.